The meeting was attended by Executive Councillor Ghulam Mehdi and Leader of Opposition in the council, Tsering Namgyal, along with other councillors. Lt Col PS Bisht was also present at the meeting.
Stressing the cultural, religious and ecological significance of the Indus river, Gyalson expressed grave concern over the increasing pollution caused by garbage dumping and the release of untreated sewage into the river. “This river is not just a water body, it is sacred. It is worshipped and it sustains lives. We cannot stand by as it turns into a dumping ground,” he said.
To ensure sustained monitoring and enforcement, Gyalson directed the administration for formation of a flying squad at sub-division level to identify and curb illegal dumping activities along vulnerable stretches of the river.
He further directed the Leh administration to constitute a district-level committee, chaired by the chairman and comprising representatives from the Army, paramilitary forces, BRO and government officials. The committee will be responsible for overseeing ongoing interventions, reviewing progress and formulating future strategies.
“As a decisive first step to rejuvenate the Indus, the meeting resolved to initiate a large-scale, community-driven cleanliness campaign. The drive will actively involve the Army, paramilitary forces, BRO and local stakeholders,” an official said.
The chairman also decided to hold a high-level meeting to devise targeted strategies for the protection of the river. He further proposed a follow-up meeting with the UT Administration to discuss the formulation of effective bylaws and enforcement mechanisms for imposing penalties on violators.
